Method of performing work on orchard trees and combination of workmen support platforms for the purpose



Jan. 31, 1967- KAZUO HIYAMA 3,301,348

METHOD OF PERFORMING WORK ON ORCHARD TREES AND COMBINATION OF WORKMENSUPPORT PLATFORMS FOR THE PURPOSE Filed Sept. 21, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 1KAZUO H/YAMA IN VE N 70/? o o O /3'; 4 y

A TTORNEYS 1967 KAZUO HIYAMA 3,301,348

METHOD OF PERFORMING WORK ON ORCHARD TREES AND COMBINATION OF WORKMENSUPPORT PLATFORMS FOR THE PURPOSE Filed Sept. 21, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet 2KAZUO H/VAMA */3-O INVENTOR AT 7' OPNE VS Jan. 31, 1967 P KAZUO HlYAMA I3,301,348

METHOD OF PERFORMING WORK ON ORCHARD TREES AND COMBINATION OF WORKMENSUPPORT PLATFORMS 3 Sheets-Sheet. 5 l7 FOR THE PURPOSE Filed Sept. 211964 r "3 I kn x [K 9 40 i ,ee 1 x WHY/NW? il 3; il 3 j \ZC J 76 v: a a?P 37 v I F I a 5g 3 4 5 United States Patent 3,301,348 METHOD OFPERFORMING WORK ON ORCHARD TREES AND COMBINATION OF WORKIVIEN SUPPORTPLATFORMS FOR THE PURPOSE Kazuo Hiyama, 8184 E. Adams, Fowler, Calif.93625 Filed Sept. 21, 1964, Ser. No. 397,709 8 Claims. (Cl. 182-131)This invention relates to a method of performing work on orchard treesand more particularly to a method of combining a plurality of mobileelevated workmen-support platforms so as methodically to maintain aplurality of workers in continuous elevation while progressivelyallowing the elevated workmen convenient access to all elevated portionsof the trees and combination of elevated workmen support platforms forthe purpose.

In conducting work on a plurality of trees arranged in rows it has beenknown to utilize mobile scaffolds for supporting workers in elevatedpositions along the rows progressively adjacent to successive groups ofthe trees. Such a scaffold is described in my United States Patent No.3,063,514, issued November 13, 1962, and provides an elevated platformwhich may be folded into a narrowed travel position for unobstructedmovement along the rows between the trees. During such movement with theplatform folded, it is not practicable for the workers to remain aboardso as to expedite the overall work process and thus to render it moreefiicient. The workers using the scaffold are required to descend fromthe support platform before it is folded and transported to a newlocation. After repositioning in the new locations, the workers mustagain ascend to the subsequently reflattened platform.

Although such a scaffold as described above may be modified to provide afixed nonfolding portion adapted to support workers during movement ofthe scaffold with the platform in a folded position, as is described inmy prior copending U.S. patent application No. 215,687, filed August 8,1962, now Patent No. 3,191,717, granted June 29, 1965, such amodification proves advantageous primarily when a relatively small groupof workers is involved, such as a group of a size which could worktogether effectively on a single platform along a single row.Further-more, such a scaffold, although modified as described, does notmake possible the cooperative action between workers stationed alongadjacent rows. In addition, during movement of such a modified scaffoldto a new work position the workers on board are necessarilynonproductive, with the result that a corresponding amount of time iswasted.

A method embodying the principles of the present invention through useof a combination of elevated platforms of the type above discussed orany other suitable form thereof obviates time consuming descents andascents by the workers, as well as allowing continuous uninterruptedwork and cooperative action between workers working concurrently inadjacent rows.

While the combination and method of the present invention were designedspecifically for use in connection with the care and maintenance oforchards, the invention is also adapted to other types of elevated workon upright or tall objects. For convenience, the description refers onlyto an orchard as an illustrative operational environment.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide asystematic method of performing work on rows of elevated work objects.

Another object is to provide a method of combining a plurality of mobileelevated workmen support platforms so as methodically to maintain aplurality of workers in in FIG. 1.

continuous elevation while progressively allowing the elevated workmenconvenient access to all portions of a plurality of elevated workobjects arranged in rows.

Another object is to provide an improved method of top-working treesarranged in rows in an orchard.

Another object is to provide a method of combining a plurality of mobileelevated workmen support platforms so that a plurality of workmensupported thereon may progressively top-work all the trees in an orchardwithout having to descend from the platforms.

Another object is to provide such a combination which allows the workmenconveniently to transfer from platform-to-platform and effectively tocooperate with the other workmen.

Another object is to provide such a combination which supports aplurality of workmen and allows them progressively to top-work all thetrees in an orchard without having to make descents.

Another object is to provide a combination of such platforms whichaffords workmen a continuous extended support surface accessiblyadjacent to a plurality of trees disposed across an orchard.

Another object is to provide a method of maneuvering a plurality ofmobile elevated foldable workmen support platforms so that substantiallya continuous support surface extending across a plurality of tree rowsis movable through an orchard in progressive stages while providingconvenient access successively to all the trees in the orchard.

These, together with other objects, will become more fully apparent uponreference to the following description and accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary schematic plan view of a plurality of workmensupport platforms supporting a group of workmen and combined initiallyfor commencement of work on orchard trees using the method and platformcombination of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a typical pair of the platforms ofFIG. 1 shown in preparation incident to implementation of the secondmethodical stage of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the platforms of FIG. 2 with oneplatform folded and advanced incident to entering the second methodicalstage.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the platforms of FIG. 3 shown in thesecond stage of the present invention with both platforms flattened andcombined to support workmen engaged in top-working the adjacent trees.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of the platforms of FIG. 4 with oneplatform folded, preparatory to implementation of the third methodicalstage of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of the platforms of FIG. 5 with thefolded platform advanced incident to entering the third methodicalstage.

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of the platforms of FIG. 6 shown in thethird methodical stage with both platforms flattened and combined whilesupporting workmen top-working the adjacent trees.

FIG. 8 is a schematic end elevation of the two workmen support platformsof FIG. 2 disposed in the combination of the present invention andshowing schematically in dashed lines the characteristic folded positionof one of the platforms, in which the platform is moved along the row oftrees incident to implementing the method of the present invention.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the basic apparatus of thepresent invention consists preferably of a type of elevated workersupport platform similar to that shown schematically andrepresentattively at 10 For the performance of orchard work inaccordance with the method of the present invention a plurality of suchplatforms are interspersed in methodically maneuverable combinationbetween adjacent rows of trees in an orchard. The trees are arranged inequispaced relation in parallel equispaced rows 11, 12 and 13 andprovide lanes of travel 14 and 15 between each row, shown fragmentarilyin FIGS. 1 through 7. For ease of reference to the individual treesalong a row the orchard is divided into cross rows runningperpendicularly to the rows and numbered 16, 17, 18, 19 and 2t)sequentially from right to left in FIGS. 1 through 7.

The preferable length of the elongated platform is equal to the distancealong a tree row corresponding to the center-to-center distance betweenalternately spaced trees in the rows, or longer if the tree spacing issuch as to make it practical. The platform is segmented longitudinallyalong its central axis 25 and forms laterally opposite half portionswhich are interconnected by a common hinge 26 for elevational pivotalmovement. This allows folding and unfolding of the platform. The size ofthe platform is such that its outer lateral edges, when the platform isflattened, extend to a position adjacent to the respective lines ofcenters of the neighboring tree rows, as shown at 27 in FIGS. 1 and 8.Arcuate portions 30 are provided in the platform side edges and aresized and spaced individually to conform simultaneously and respectivelyto the peripheral portions of three successive trees. Thus, when theplatform is flattened between the trees, the respective arcuate portionsfit around the corresponding trees, while intermediate, bridgingportions 31 extendbetween the trees laterally of the platform.

A suitable bridging member is provided at each point of juxtapositionbetween adjacent platforms. Such a bridging member may be, for instance,a hinged bridge plate such as that shown in bridging position at 32 inFIGS. 7 and 8, and in an unoperative position at 33.

The platform is supported on a mobile scaffold 34 by extensible strutmembers 35 allowing the fol-ding and unfolding of the platform. Asuitable structure for this purpose is described in my prior patent,mentioned above, and is shown schematically in FIG. 8.

Each platform is provided with an elongated tow bar 36 which ispivotally mountable at either end of the platform and adapted to beconnected to a suitable prime mover, such as a tractor 37.

In the initial stage of the present invention the platforms 10 aredisposed along one side of the orchard to be worked, one platform ineach lane and all the platforms in side-'by-side relationship. Thenumber of platforms to be used depends upon the number of lanes as wellas on the number of available workmen and the extent of the work to beaccomplished. Any plurality is adequate and there is no practical limitin the number of platforms which may be used other than that suggestedby the capital investment required. However, in order that the fullbenefit of the present invention may be enjoyed, there should be atleast one pair of adjacent platforms, as shown diagrammatically in FIGS.2 through 8. For illustration, FIG. 1 fragmentarily shows two such pairsdisposed in initial side-by-side combination. Workmen on the platformsare shown in symbolic representation at 40.

With the platforms 10 in this initial combination the workmen 40 aboardthe platforms engage in top-working the accesible trees in cross rows16, 17 and 18. The trees in rows 16 and at least the rear quadrant oftrees 17 are finished first. Next, the workmen on each alternateplatform transfer to an adjacent platform where they continue work incooperation with the workers thereon. The platforms which they left arethereupon folded into a narrowed condition as shown at 45 in FIG. 2,preparatory to movement along the lanes between the tree rows. Thismovement is then accomplished, preferably by use of the vehicular primemovers 37, so that the alternate platforms are positioned one tree inadvance of the platforms remaining stationary, as is shown in FIG. 3.The advanced platforms are unfolded and flattened so that their arcuateside edges 30 fit around the adjacent trees and their bridging portions31 match With the adjacent platforms as at 46 in FIG. 4, to provide freeaccess therebetween. The bridge plates are swung into position toprovide secure walkways from platform-toplatform, as shown at 32 in FIG.7. The workmen 40 return to the reflattene-d advanced platforms andengage in work on the newly accessible trees in crossrow 19 as Well asthose on crossrows 1'7 and 18.

Although in this second methodical stage of the orchard work everyalternate platform 10 is advanced, it is not necessary that they be somoved simultaneously. Thus, a single tractor can be adequate for thejob. The progress of the Work along any one row determines the time foradvancement of the corresponding platform. In fact, one pair of adjacentplatforms may be even advanced into a third or fourth stage whileanother may still be in first stage, depending upon the number ofplatforms which are participating but with appropriate periodic overlapto permit Workmen passage between platforms.

Wit-h the alternate platforms 1t) advanced and work on trees incrossrows 16 and 17 complete the third methodical stage may be entered.The platforms remaining are folded, advanced and reflattened in a mannersimilar to that of the second stage, as shown in FIGS. 5 through 7. Thenewly advanced platforms provided access to quadrantal portions of treessituated as far along the row as crossrow 26. At the same time, theirrear arcuate portions 30 provide access to the quadrantal portions ofthe trees in crossrow 18 yet to be top-Worked.

In the fourth methodical stage the process is repeated, by again movingthe alternate platforms 10 which were first advanced during the secondstage. Although in each odd-numbered stage the platforms may be disposedin side-by-side aligned relationship, as shown in FIG. 1, it ispreferable to move the platforms into individually advanced positions,as shown for the third stage in FIG. 7, so as to allow a faster rate ofprogress along the respective rows. Depending upon the number of treescontained in each row, the work will progress across the orchard througha predetermined number of successive stages each similar to themethodical stages already outlined, until the entire orchard has beencovered.

During the entire methodical process the workmen 40 may remain aboardthe platforms 10 without having to descend periodically as would benecessary were only a single platform being used. The configuration ofthe combined flattened platforms is such that an extended elevatedsurface is provided allowing the workmen to move freely between theplatforms as the Work requires. Convenient access to all of the trees isprogressively afforded in a continuous uninterrupted sequence so thatthe most eflicient cooperation among the entire group of workmen ispossible and so that the orchard work may be effectively completed in aminimum of time. Due to the relative ease of maneuvering by the Workerson the platforms and the possibility of remaining aboard throughout theentire process, men, women and children can engage in the work withcomfort, convenience and efficiency.

From the foregoing it is readily apparent that a method of top-workingtrees arranged in rows in an orchard has been provided. A combination ofa plurality of elevated Work platforms has been provided affording anextended elevated support surface accessibly adjacent to a plurality oftrees disposed across the orchard. In progressive stages the platformsare moved methodically across the orchard to allow the supported workmenconveniently and expeditiously to perform the Work without having todescend to the ground.

Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what isconceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it isrecognized that departures may be made therefrom with the scope of theinvention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed hereinbut is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace anyand all equivalent devices and apparatus.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patent is:

1. A method of conducting work on elevated objects arranged in spacedrelation in rows comprising disposing a plurality of elevatedworkmen-support platforms in sideby-side relation individually betweenadjacent rows of the objects and moving the platforms in alternateincrements of stepped progression along their respective rows tosuccessive stationary work positions so that the platforms overlapadjacent platforms longitudinally of the rows in all stationarypositions and so that the workmen can remain on the platforms throughoutthe conduct of the work and can pass from platform-to-platformtransversely of the rows.

2. A method of top-working trees arranged in rows comprising disposing aplurality of elevated elongated workmen-support platforms inside-by-side relation individually between adjacent rows of the treesand moving the platforms progressively along their respective rows inalternate increments of stepped progression to successive static workpositions so that the platforms overlap longitudinally of the rows inall static positions and so that the workmen can pass fromplatform-to-platform transversely of the rows and such workmen canremain on the platforms throughout the conduct of the work.

3. A method of top-working trees arranged in substantially equallyspaced relation in substantially parallel rows comprising disposing aplurality of elevated workmen-support platforms in side-by-side relationindividually between adjacent rows of the trees with said platformsextending longitudinally of their respective rows distances suflicientto overlap adjacent trees in the rows, and moving the platformsindividually along their respective rows in alternate increments ofstepped progression such that the platforms continuously longitudinallyoverlap and so that during intervals between their respective incrementsof movement workmen can pass from platform-to-platform transversely ofthe rows between the trees thereof so that such workmen need not remainon a platform as it is moved and need not descend from the platforms topermit their movement.

4. A method of top-working trees arranged in substantially equallyspaced relation in substantially parallel rows and having individualperipheries comprising disposing a plurality of elongated transverselyfoldable workmen support platforms in side-by-side relation individuallyin ad-' jacent spaces between adjacent rows of the trees, said platformsbeing transversely foldable to a narrowed condition to passlongitudinally between the trees, being disposable in elevatedsubstantially planar relation, having arcuate side edges adapted toconform generally to the peripheries of the trees and intermediateportions extended between the trees, the intermediate portions ofadjacent platforms when extended between the trees being in adjacentjuxtaposition; alternately transversely folding adjacent platforms;moving the folded platforms progressively along their respective rows inalternate increments of stepped progression to successive stationarywork positions so that adjacent platforms continuously overlap; andflattening the platforms to extend the side edges thereof between thetrees in each of their stationary work positions.

5. A method of top-working trees arranged in substantially equallyspaced relation in substantially parallel rows comprising disposing aplurality of elongated transversely foldable workmen-support platformsin side-by-side relation individually in adjacent spaces betweenadjacent rows of the trees, said platforms being transversely foldableto a narrowed condition to pass longitudinally between the trees, beingdisposable in elevated substantially planar relation, having arcuateside edges adapted to conform generally to the peripheries of the treesand intermediate portions extended between the trees, the intermediateside edges of adjacent platforms when extended between the trees beingin adjacent juxtaposition; alternately transversely folding adjacentplatforms; moving the folded platforms along their respective rows inalternat increments of stepped progression to successive stationaryposition; and flattening the platforms for extension of the side edgesthereof between the trees, said platforms extending longitudinally oftheir respective rows distances sufficient to overlap adjacent trees inthe rows, thus providing a substantially continuous bridge between theplatforms in their stationary positions.

6. A method of top-working trees arranged in substantially equallyspaced relation in substantially parallel rows comprising disposing aplurality of elongated transversely foldable workmen-support platformsin side-by-side relation individually in adjacent spaces betweenadjacent rows of the trees, said platforms being transversely foldableto a narrowed condition to pass longitudinally between the trees, beingdisposable in elevated substantially planar relation, having arcuateside edges adapted to conform genorally to the peripheries of the treesand intermediate portions extended between the trees, said intermediateportions also having side edges, the intermediate side edges of adjacentplatforms when extended between the trees being in adjacentjuxtaposition and providing a substantially continuous bridge betweenthe platform; said disposition of the platforms comprising a firstmethodical stage in which supported workmen engage in top-working theaccessibly adjacent trees; in a second methodical stage transverselyfolding alternate platforms while leaving the remaining platformsstanding in an elevated flattened condition, said alternate platformsbeing folded after workmen thereon have transferred to the platformsremaining in a flattened condition by crossing the respective bridgesprovided by the juxtaposed side edges of adjacent platforms, moving eachfolded platform along the space between the corresponding rows of treesuntil at least one of its arcuate side edges is disposed in opposedfacing relation to a tree yet to be top-worked and at least one of itsintermediate side portions is disposed in opposed facing relation to anintermediate side portion of an adjacent flattened platform, andflattening each folded platform so that its arcuate side edges conformto the peripheries of adjacent trees and its intermediate side portionsand edges are extended between the trees and in juxtaposition with theside edges of adjacent platforms, said adjacent juxtaposed side edgesproviding a substantially continuous bridge between the adjacentplatforms, at least one of said workmen returning to each reflattenedplatform in said second methodical stage to conduct top-work on newlyaccessible trees; in a third methodical stage transversely folding theplatforms which remained flattened in the second stage, the workmen onsaid folded platforms having previously transferred to adjacentplatforms, moving each folded platform along between the correspondingrows of trees until it is positioned with at least one of its arcuateside edges disposed in opposed facing relation to a tree yet to betop-worked and at least one of its intermediate side portions disposedin opposed facing relation to an intermediate side portion of anadjacent flattened platform, and flattening each folded platform so thatits arcuate side edges conform to the peripheries of adjacent trees andits intermediate side portions and edges are extended between the treesand in juxtaposition with the side edges of adjacent platforms, saidadjacent juxtaposed side edges providing a substantially continuousbridge between the adjacent platforms, at least one of said workmenreturning to each reflattened platform in said sec-0nd methodical stageto conduct top-work on newly acessible trees; and in each of a series ofsuccessive methodical stages following after the first three stages,folding, moving, positioning and reflattening alternate platformssimilarly to said operations in the preceding stages so that theplatforms continuously longitudinally overlap and pro? vide a continuousextended integrated support surface are cessibly adjacent to a pluralityof the trees to be topworked, said integrated support surface beingmoved in progressive stages across an orchard so as to provide accessultimately to all the trees in said orchard while a1- lowing thesupported workmen to remain continuously in their elevated positions andfreely to move about from platform-to-platform while conducting thecontinuous progressive work on said trees.

7. A method for providing access to elevated work objects arranged inspaced relation in rows comprising the steps of disposing a plurality ofelevationally pivotal workmen support platforms in side-by-side relationindividually between adjacent rows of work objects with said platformsextending longitudinally of their respective rows distances sufficientlyto overlap adjacent work objects in the rows and being collapsible forpassage along the rows, motivating said platforms along their respectiverows in alternate increments of stepped progression such that theplatforms continuously longitudinally overlap, and stopping theplatforms for predetermined intervals between their respectiveincrements of movement and alternately sucessively pivoting theplatforms to a substantially horizontal planar work position with theplatform extending through their respective rows to permit workmen topass from platform to platform transversely of the rows between the workobjects so that such workmen need not 8 remain on a particular platformas it is moved and need not descend from the platforms to permit theirmovement.

8. A method for providing access to elevated work objects arranged inspaced relation in rows comprising the steps of disposing a plurality ofelongated elevationally pivotal workmen support platforms havingrecessed edges in side-by-side relation individually between adjacentrows of work objects for movement in a plane passing closely adjacent totheir respective rows and alternately successively pivoting theplatforms to a substantially horizontal planar Work position with therecessed edges of the platforms receiving the adjacent work objects andextending between the work objects to provide a substantially continuousbridge between the platforms, alternately individually pivoting theplatforms to a narrowed condition outwardly spaced from the work objectsso as to be able to pass along the rows in alternate increments ofstepped progression, and subsequently again pivoting the platforms totheir planar work positions to reestablish said bridge between theplatforms.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,063,514 11/1962Hiyama 18263 REINALDO P. MACHADO, Primary Examiner.

1. A METHOD OF CONDUCTING WORK ON ELEVATED OBJECTS ARRANGED IN SPACEDRELATION IN ROWS COMPRISING DISPOSING A PLURALITY OF ELEVATEDWORKMEN-SUPPORT PLATFORMS IN SIDEBY-SIDE RELATION INDIVIDUALLY BETWEENADJACENT ROWS OF THE OBJECTS AND MOVING THE PLATFORMS IN ALTERNATEINCREMENTS OF STEPPED PROGRESSION ALONG THEIR RESPECTIVE ROWS TOSUCCESSIVE STATIONARY WORK POSITIONS SO THAT THE PLATFORMS OVERLAPADJACENT PLATFORMS LONGITUDINALLY OF THE ROWS IN ALL STATIONARYPOSITIONS AND SO THAT THE WORKMEN CAN REMAIN ON THE PLATFORMS THROUGHOUTTHE CONDUCT OF THE WORK AND CAN PASS FROM PLATFORM-TO-PLATFORMTRANSVERSELY OF THE ROWS.